England Part 5 : Roman Baths & Jane Austen

We were up and at ’em early the next morning to catch the train to Bath Spa to see the Roman Baths. Another classic tourist destination that did not disappoint. Much like with Stonehenge, I was going in with only the Reader’s Digest version of the history. But I came out with a much better understanding and appreciation for the area, I am glad to say!

Despite the off-putting green water, the Roman Baths were incredibly fascinating and full of artefacts, each with their own story to tell. My personal favourite was the collection of messages written on lead or pewter. These messages, typically wishes, were written to the Goddess and thrown into the Sacred Spring. The one on the left is a complaint about a theft and includes a list outlining possible culprits.

Another jewel from the past: “The picture is not complete without some quarrelsome fellow, a thief caught in the act, or the man who loves the sound of his own voice in the bath – not to mention those who jump in with a tremendous splash.” – Seneca, 1st century AD.

After spending a good few hours wandering through different chambers in the baths, we headed to the Jane Austen Museum. Hold onto your bonnets and waistcoats, literary lovers. It’s a sweet little museum situated on the street (but not in the exact house) that Jane herself lived in at one point in her life. I thoroughly enjoyed the fact that the employees were dressed in the appropriate get up but did not enjoy the sinking feeling of “What am I doing with my life?!” upon hearing that Jane had written the first draft of what was to become Pride and Prejudice by the time she was 21. Never mind, I shan’t hold it against her.

It really was lovely to learn more about her personal life from an accepted marriage proposal which she then rejected the next day to initially publishing under the pseudonym of “A Lady”. Loved it and would most definitely recommend it to book lovers.

On the way back to the train station, we stumbled across this fellow. I would really like to know a) what his thought process was that led to this and b) how long it takes him to prepare and does somebody help him because that is a lot of paint getting in some awkward places. Also, does anyone else get that weird, creeped-out feeling like with clowns? No? Just me?

Yet again, we hit the jackpot with perfect weather and decided to take an evening stroll to see the Clifton Suspension bridge before dinner. This was part of the view of Clifton Village from atop the bridge. I love the pops of different colours and stripes.
This was the last day in Bristol and I was quite sad to be leaving. I enjoyed being in a place that was like a main city but without the constant hustle and bustle of London – not to mention the beach-side feel to it. I definitely miss the view from our hotel room which, by the way, was only made possible by me half-hanging out the (very tight) window. It was worth the squishing and twisting.

Next Sunday’s post will be the sixth and final installment of the England travel blog posts! Abbey Road, Big Ben, Harrods, and more!

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Jacquie is a 20-something maker and writer from Melbourne. She enjoys eating virtually anything that is labelled salted caramel and, contrary to popular belief, has forgotten how to ride a bike. She feels ambivalent about writing in the third person but thought it might be fun. It was.

Jacquie

I'm a homebody who loves nothing more than curling up with a blanket, a book, and a cuppa (preferably with some bed socks too). When I eventually leave the house, you'll probably catch me op shopping, tending to my cacti collection, or singing along to the Mary Poppins soundtrack in the car.

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